YORK RI RUFC are continuing preparations for 2018/19 by adding to their coaching team for their assault on Yorkshire Four this season.

Current Yorkshire Carnegie player and former England Under-18 international Lewis Wilson, part of the Carnegie Championship squad for the upcoming season, has agreed to join RI to support with coaching.

As well as this, RI can also look forward to the first league clashes with city rivals Nestle Rowntree for some time - Trees having joined the league after their successes in merit competitions. The games are scheduled for October 20 at Rowntrees and December 15 at RI.

Wilson, who plays in the back row, will join existing head coach Alex Grieve, who is also employed by Yorkshire Carnegie as part of their academy structure, and will provide specialist support for the forwards.

Wilson said: “I am really looking forward to getting started with pre-season and getting to know the guys in and around the club, and hopefully bringing some new insights to the players.

"I am excited to be involved in a senior coaching set-up for the first time and hope to be able to support the club’s aspirations throughout this season.”

On this appointment, Grieve said: “We have been looking for a coach to join us for some time and I am delighted that Lewis will be joining us this season.

"It will certainly benefit myself having another coach on hand to support the sessions and it will be a huge positive for the players, particularly in the forwards, to have the knowledge available from somebody playing in the professional game and I have no doubt that Lewis will help push the club forward.”

Grieve added: “Last season was a tough one for all involved and despite some positive results, the season was a disappointment overall.

"There has been some reflection and work behind the scenes over the summer and we definitely feel that the club is in a better place this time around.

"There will be a fresh approach to both training and playing and with the addition of Lewis to the coaching team, as well as some new faces in the playing squad, we are all excited to get started with pre-season and are already looking forwards to the first game.”

RI started their pre-season last month, with training running hereafter on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7pm at the club’s New Lane ground in Acomb.

RI will kick off their campaign in a reverse of last year’s opening fixture, with a trip to Stanley Rodillians on Saturday, September 1, followed a week later by their first home fixture with Ossett.

The club will also run a social second XV this season, alongside occasional fixtures for students and the club’s developing mixed ability team.

Anybody interested in getting involved with the club can phone head coach Alex Grieve on 07730768907.